Organisation of school time in Europe · Easter), their timing changes from year toslightly year....

Education and Training

Eurydice – Facts and Figures

Organisation of

school time in

Europe

Primary and secondary general education

2015/16 school year

1

KEY POINTS

In most countries, the school year starts at the beginning of September Despite some differences, countries across Europe show many similarities regarding the structure of the school year. In around a third of European countries/regions, the school year officially starts on the first of September. In the five Nordic countries as well as in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, it generally starts between mid- to end August. In Southern Europe, the starting date is usually in the second half of September (e.g. Greece, Italy, Malta and Portugal).

The distribution of holidays during the school year varies between countries with the exception of the Christmas break In addition to the summer break, there are four other main periods of school holidays across Europe: the autumn holidays, Christmas and New Year’s, winter/Carnival holidays as well the spring/Easter holidays. With the exception of the Christmas/New Year’s holiday, other school breaks differ both in length and timing. As some of these holidays are related to flexible calendar dates (Carnival and Easter), their timing changes slightly from year to year. As well as these common holidays, all countries offer additional days of holiday for public or religious occasions.

Regional and local variations exist within some countries The periods and dates of school holidays may vary within a country. In some countries, such as Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria and Switzerland, regional authorities make the decisions in this regard. In Norway and Sweden, the responsibility lies with the municipalities, while in Ireland and the United Kingdom (England and Wales) the school calendar is traditionally decided at school level. However, this freedom to determine school holiday periods may be limited. The number of days of teaching is generally fixed at central level.

In the Czech Republic, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, the central authorities fix different dates for some periods of holidays depending on the geographical area.

The length of the summer holidays varies a lot across Europe In Europe, the school year generally ends between the end of May and the second half of July. Mid-June is the time when the summer break begins in most countries. The length of the summer holidays varies significantly between countries: from 6 weeks in some German Länder, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (England and Wales), Switzerland and Liechtenstein up to 13 weeks in Lithuania, Latvia, Italy, Portugal and Turkey. The summer holidays are usually shorter in those countries where students have more frequent and longer holidays during the school year. Some countries show differences in the length of holidays depending on the level of education. In secondary education, students normally study longer, as they might take examinations at the end of the year.

Same holiday patterns persist for primary and secondary education The pattern of holidays over the school year is similar for both primary and secondary education. Slight differences occur in only a few countries. In Greece, Cyprus, Lithuania and Serbia, the summer holidays for younger students last longer than for older. The opposite is true in Ireland and Iceland.

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Figure 2: Length of summer holidays (in weeks), primary and secondary general education, 2015/16

7 weeks or less

8 to 9 weeks

10 to 11 weeks

12 to 13 weeks

Not available

Only in primary education Only in upper secondary education

Source: Eurydice. IE EL CY IS

Country specific note Switzerland: Between 5 and 9 weeks.

AUSTRIA Organisation of school time in primary and general secondary education

2015/16 school year Primary education General secondary

education

Starting date of students’ school year

7 September 2015: Burgenland, Niederösterreich, Wien 14 September 2015: Kärnten, Oberösterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg

7 September 2015: Burgenland, Niederösterreich, Wien 14 September 2015: Kärnten, Oberösterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg

End of students’ school year 1 July 2016: Burgenland, Niederösterreich, Wien 8 July 2016: Kärnten, Oberösterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg

1 July 2016: Burgenland, Niederösterreich, Wien 8 July 2016: Kärnten, Oberösterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg

Christmas/New Year 2 weeks 24 December 2015 – 6 January 2016

2 weeks 24 December 2015 – 6 January 2016

Winter/Carnival 1 week 1-6 February 2016: Niederösterreich, Wien 8-13 February 2016: Burgenland, Kärnten, Salzburg, Tirol 15-20 February 2016: Oberösterreich, Steiermark, Vorarlberg

1 week 1-6 February 2016: Niederösterreich, Wien 8-13 February 2016: Burgenland, Kärnten, Salzburg, Tirol 15-20 February 2016: Oberösterreich, Steiermark, Vorarlberg

Spring/Easter 1 week 19-29 March 2016

1 week 19-29 March 2016

Third term 4 days 14-17 May 2016

4 days 14-17 May 2016

Summer About 9 weeks 2 July – 4 September 2016: Burgenland, Niederösterreich, Wien 9 July – 11 September 2016: Kärnten, Oberösterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg

About 9 weeks 2 July – 4 September 2016: Burgenland, Niederösterreich, Wien 9 July – 11 September 2016: Kärnten, Oberösterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg

Public/religious holidays 1 November 2015 2 November 2015 8 December 2015 1 May 2016 5 May 2016 26 May 2016 1 extra religious holiday per province (Land)

1 November 2015 2 November 2015 8 December 2015 1 May 2016 5 May 2016 26 May 2016 1 extra religious holiday per province (Land)

Starting/End date of teachers’ school year

The teachers’ school year is the same as the pupils’ school year

The teachers’ school year is the same as the pupils’ school year

BELGIUM (FLEMISH COMMUNITY)

Organisation of school time in primary and general secondary education 2015/16

Primary education General secondary education


1 September 2015 1 September 2015

End of students’ school year 30 June 2016 30 June 2016

Autumn holidays 1 week 2-8 November 2015

1 week 2-8 November 2015

Christmas/New Year holidays 2 weeks 21 December 2015 – 3 January 2016


Winter/Carnival 1 week 8-14 February 2016

1 week 8-14 February 2016

Spring/Easter 2 weeks 28 March – 10 April 2016

2 weeks 28 March – 10 April 2016

Third term Between Easter holidays and Summer holidays

Between Easter holidays and Summer holidays

Summer 9 weeks 1 July – 31 August 2016

9 weeks 1 July – 31 August 2016

Public holidays (national/religious/occasional)

1 and 2 November 2015 (All Saints' Day) 11 November 2015 (Armistice Day) 28 March 2016 (Easter Monday) 1 May 2016 (Labour Day) 5-6 May 2016 (Ascension Day) 16 May 2016 (Whit Monday) + 4 days to be decided by the school

1 and 2 November 2015 (All Saints' Day) 11 November 2015 (Armistice Day) 28 March 2016 (Easter Monday) 1 May 2016 (Labour Day) 5-6 May 2016 (Ascension Day) 16 May 2016 (Whit Monday) + 4 days to be decided by the school

Starting date of teachers’ school year


End of teachers’ school year 30 June 2016 30 June 2016

Source: Eurydice.

BELGIUM (FRENCH COMMUNITY)

Organisation of school time in primary and general secondary education 2015/16 school year





Autumn holidays 1 week

2-6 November 2015

1 week

2-6 November 2015

Christmas/New Year 2 weeks

21 December 2015 – 1 January 2016

2 weeks


Winter/Carnival 1 week

8-12 February 2016

1 week

8-12 February 2016

Spring/Easter 2 weeks

28 March – 8 April 2016

2 weeks

28 March – 8 April 2016

Summer 9 weeks

1 July – 31 August 2016

9 weeks

1 July – 31 August 2016

Public/religious holidays 11 November 2015 5 May 2016 16 May 2016

11 November 2015 5 May 2016 16 May 2016




Source: Eurydice

BELGIUM (GERMAN-SPEAKING COMMUNITY)





End of students’ school year

30 June 2016 30 June 2016

Autumn holidays 1 week 2-6 November 2015

1 week 2-6 November 2015







Third term _ _



Public/religious holidays 11 November 2015 15 November 2015 (Sunday) 1 May 2016 (Sunday) 5 May 2016 16 May 2016

11 November 2015 15 November 2015 (Sunday) 1 May 2016 (Sunday) 5 May 2016 16 May 2016



End of teachers’ school year

30 June 2016 30 June 2016

Additional notes: • During the last working days of August, secondary education teachers may be consigned to conduct

exams of a second chance. • A school year has a minimum of 180 and a maximum of 184 days of school days. • As the 1 November 2015 is a religious holiday (Allerheiligen – All Saints’ Day) and at the same time

autumn vacation, it is left to the school to choose a compensation day. As the 1 May 2016 is a holiday day, which takes place on a Sunday, schools can choose a second compensation day.

1

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina



Starting date of students’ school year 1 September 2015 1 September 2015

End of students’ school year 14 June 2016 (24 May 2016 in the final year)

7 June 2016 (10 May 2016 in the final year)

Winter holidays 4-29 January 2016 4-29 January 2016

Spring/Easter

Summer holidays 15 June – 31 August 2016 8 June – 31 August 2016

Public/religious holidays Public holidays: 25 November 2015 (Statehood Day) 1-2 January 2016 (New Year) 1 March 2016 (Independence Day) 1-2 May 2016 (International Labour Day) Religious holidays: 24 September 2015 (Eid al-Adha) 25 December 2015 (Catholic Christmas) 22-30 April 2016 (Pesah) 27 March 2016 (Catholic Easter) 1 May 2016 (Orthodox Easter)

Starting date of teachers’ school year 17 August 2015 17 August 2015

End of teachers’ school year 30 June 2016 30 June 2016 Additional notes: Religious holidays are celebrated depending on the religious community. There are some differences between the cantons within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The given data are the most common for most cantons. Apart from these dates, each canton (ten in total) has established its own celebration day.

2

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (CONTINUED) Republic of Srpska





End of students’ school year 10 June 2016 (27 May 2016 in the final year)

10 June 2016 (13 May 2016 in the final year)

Winter holidays 4-22 January 2016 4-22 January 2016

Spring/Easter 25-29 April 2016 25-29 April 2016

Summer holidays 13 June – 1 September 2016 13 June – 1 September 2016

Public/religious holidays Public holidays: 1-2 January 2016 (New Year) 1-2 May 2016 (International Labour Day) Religious holidays: 25 December 2015 (Catholic Christmas) 25 and 28 March 2016 (Catholic Easter) 29 April and 2 May 2016 (Orthodox Easter)


17 August 2015 17 August 2015

End of teachers’ school year 1 July 2016 1 July 2016

Additional notes: Religious holidays are celebrated depending the religion community. Holidays which are dated on non-working days are not taken into account.

CROATIA


Primary and general secondary education

Starting date of students’ school year 7 September 2015

End of students’ school year 10 June 2016

Winter holidays 24 December 2015 – 8 January 2016

Spring holidays 21-25 March 2016

Summer holidays 13 June – (to be decided in 2016)

Public/religious holidays 8 October 2015 (Independence Day)

28 March 2016 (Easter Monday)

26 May 2016 (Corpus Christi)

Starting date of teachers’ school year 21 August 2015

End of teachers’ school year 4 July 2016

Source: Eurydice

Additional notes: Starting from the school year 2010/11, counties, regional administrative units (in total 21) are allowed to request some modifications of the school calendar for the coming year (the date of the beginning of the school year and the duration of the winter break) which apply at the County level.

CYPRUS



Starting date of students’ school year* 14 September 2015 10 September 2015 (see additional notes)

End of students’ school year* 15 June 2016 (see additional notes)



Spring/Easter 2 weeks 25 April – 8 May 2016

2 weeks 25 April – 8 May 2016

Summer 12 weeks 16 June – 11 September 2016


Public/religious holidays 1 October 2015 28 October 2015 13 November 2015 14 March 2016 25 March 2016 1 April 2016 9 June 2016

1 October 2015 28 October 2015 13 November 2015 14 March 2016 25 March 2016 1 April 2016 20 June 2016

Starting date of teachers’ school year**


End of teachers’ school year** 17 June 2016 30 June 2016

Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: Primary Education *Students: In primary education, lessons begin on the second Monday of September and end on the Wednesday before the penultimate Friday of June. **Teachers: Teachers in primary education need to be at school from the first Monday of September until the penultimate Friday of June.

Secondary Education *Students: Classes may begin on any day during the first ten days of September. The exact date in each year is specified by the Minister of Education and Culture. In Lower Secondary Education, the school year ends on any day during the first seven days of June. In Upper Secondary Education, the school year ends on any day during the last ten days of May. The exact date is also specified by the Minister.

**Teachers: In general secondary education, the end of the school year is at the end of June after exams, correction of papers, result announcements. The official teachers' school year is longer than student's school year in secondary education as it includes registration days, sorting out of schools and classes and exam periods. In secondary general education according to the law, the official school year is from 01 September each year until the 31 August next year (01 September 2015-31 August 2016).

CZECH REPUBLIC





Autumn holidays 29-30 October 2015 29-30 October 2015

Christmas/New Year 23 December 2015 – 3 January 2016


Winter/Carnival 29 January 2016 29 January 2016

Spring/Easter 1 week between 1 February and 13 March 2016 depending on the region (spring holiday)

24-25 March 2016 (Easter)

1 week between 1 February and 13 March 2016 depending on the region (spring holiday)

24-25 March 2016 (Easter)

Summer 1 July – 31 August 2016 1 July – 31 August 2016

Public/religious holidays 28 September 2015 28 October 2015 17 November 2015 28 March 2016 (Easter) 1 May 2016 8 May 2016

28 September 2015 28 October 2015 17 November 2015 28 March 2016 (Easter) 1 May 2016 8 May 2016

Starting date of teachers’ school year Not specified Not specified

End of teachers’ school year Not specified Not specified

SPECIFICATION OF TERMS FOR SPRING HOLIDAYS

Term 2016 Regions

1-7 February Kroměříž, Uherské Hradiště, Vsetín, Zlín, Praha-východ, Praha-západ, Mělník, Rakovník, Plzeň-město, Plzeň-sever, Plzeň-jih, Hradec Králové, Teplice, Nový Jičín

8-14 February Česká Lípa, Jablonec nad Nisou, Liberec, Semily, Havlíčkův Brod, Jihlava, Pelhřimov, Třebíč, Žďár nad Sázavou, Kladno, Kolín, Kutná Hora, Písek, Náchod, Bruntál

15-21 February Mladá Boleslav, Příbram, Tábor, Prachatice, Strakonice, Ústí nad Labem, Chomutov, Most, Jičín, Rychnov nad Kněžnou, Olomouc, Šumperk, Opava, Jeseník

22-28 February Benešov, Beroun, Rokycany, České Budějovice, Český Krumlov, Klatovy, Trutnov, Pardubice, Chrudim, Svitavy, Ústí nad Orlicí, Ostrava-město

29 February – 6 March Praha 1 - 5, Blansko, Brno-město, Brno-venkov, Břeclav, Hodonín, Vyškov, Znojmo, Domažlice, Tachov, Louny, Prostějov, Karviná

7-13 March Praha 6 - 10, Cheb, Karlovy Vary, Sokolov, Nymburk, Jindřichův Hradec, Litoměřice, Děčín, Přerov, Frýdek-Místek

Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes:

According to the Labour Code, the holiday for teachers at primary or secondary level is 8 weeks each calendar year. They take it primarily in the time of school holidays.

DENMARK


Primary and lower secondary education (Folkeskole)

General secondary education (Gymnasium)




Autumn holidays 12-16 October 2015 (both days inclusive)

12-16 October 2015 (both days inclusive)

Christmas/New Year 21 December 2015 – 1 January 2016 (both days inclusive)

21 December 2015 – 1 January 2016 (both days inclusive)

Winter/Carnival 15-19 February 2016 (both days inclusive)

22-26 February 2016 (both days inclusive)

Spring/Easter 21-28 March 2016 (both days inclusive)

21-28 March 2016 (both days inclusive)

Summer Starting on 25 June 2016 Starting on 25 June 2016

Public/religious holidays 22 April 2016

5-6 May 2016

16 May 2016

22 April 2016

5-6 May 2016

16 May 2016


Not determined at central level – differs at the various schools / institutions. In general teachers start a few days before pupils/students.

End of teachers’ school year Not determined at central level. Usually the teachers’ school year follows that of the pupils/students.

Source: Eurydice. Additional notes: The above mentioned dates for the Folkeskole are valid for the schools in Aarhus Municipality: http://www.aarhus.dk/da/borger/familie-boern-og-unge/skole/skolerne-i-aarhus-kommune/ferier-og-fridage.aspx The dates for upper secondary education are taken from Køge Gymnasium: http://www.kggym.dk/files/4214/2478/5425/Ferieplan_2015_-_2016.pdf. The winter/carnival holiday can vary across the country as it depends on the municipality which usually decides whether the winter holiday is in week 7 or 8. Folkeskole, schools offering comprehensive primary and lower secondary education, are free to decide on the number of holidays and their distribution, given that they offer a minimum of 200 school days each year. The Ministry of Education determines the last day of the school year, which is the case for both primary, lower secondary and general upper secondary education. In addition, the Ministry may also issue guidelines regarding the distribution of holidays. The Constitution Day (Grundlovsdag) 5 June is not a public holiday. However, some schools are closed on this day while others are open.

http://www.aarhus.dk/da/borger/familie-boern-og-unge/skole/skolerne-i-aarhus-kommune/ferier-og-fridage.aspx

http://www.aarhus.dk/da/borger/familie-boern-og-unge/skole/skolerne-i-aarhus-kommune/ferier-og-fridage.aspx

http://www.kggym.dk/files/4214/2478/5425/Ferieplan_2015_-_2016.pdf

ESTONIA







Autumn holidays 1 week 17-25 October 2015

1 week 17-25 October 2015




1 week 19-27 March 2016

Summer 12.5 weeks 4 June – 31 August 2016

12.5 weeks 4 June – 31 August 2016

Public/religious holidays 24 February 2016 (Independence Day) 25 March 2016 (Good Friday)

24 February 2016 (Independence Day) 25 March 2016 (Good Friday)


The beginning and the end of a teacher’s school year depend on the individual school and teacher. According to the legislation, teachers have 56 days (8 weeks) of holidays. Generally, they take holidays in the middle of June and are back in the middle of August.


Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: The Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act (§24) stipulates that an academic year shall start on 1 September and a study period shall include not less than 175 days of study (35 weeks). School holidays (and accordingly the end of the school year) are determined by a regulation of the Minister of Education and Research for every school year. On the basis of a proposal of the head of the school and with the approval of the board of trustees, the owner of a school may establish school holidays different from those established by the Minister, taking into account that during the academic year there are four school holidays with a total duration of at least 12 weeks, whereby the summer holiday lasts at least eight consecutive weeks.

https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/ee/Riigikogu/act/519032015002/consolide

FINLAND




Between 10 and 18 August 2015 Between 10 and 18 August 2015


Autumn holidays 2-5 days in October 2015 2-5 days in October 2015

Christmas/New Year 1-2 weeks between 18 December 2015 and 7 January 2016

1-2 weeks between 18 December 2015 and 7 January 2016

Winter/Carnival 1 week between 22 February and 11 March 2016

1 week between 22 February and 11 March 2016

Spring/Easter 4 days between 25 and 28 March 2016

4 days between 25 and 28 March 2016

Summer 10-11 weeks between 4 June to mid-August 2016

10-11 weeks between 4 June to mid-August 2016

Public/religious holidays 6 January 2016 (Epiphany) 1 May 2016 5 May 2016 (Ascension day)

6 January 2016 (Epiphany) 1 May 2016 5 May 2016 (Ascension day)

Starting date of teachers’ school year (1)



Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: Independence day, Epiphany and 1 May are deducted from the total number of school days (190 days) if they are on any weekday other than Saturday. In the school year 2015/16, the number of school days will consequently be 189.

(1) There are no exact starting and ending dates of teachers' school year because their duties are regulated according to the collective agreement for teachers. In the agreement, the parties have agreed that the teachers have a calculatory holiday, which begins in mid-June and the length of holiday depends mainly on years in occupation. In practice, teachers’ holidays coincide with students' holidays. However, teachers have their planning and INSET obligations, which they have to do both during and outside the school year. In general teachers start a school year a couple days before students.

FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA






Christmas / New Year 31 December 2015 – 17 January 2016


Spring / Easter 29 April – 2 May 2016 29 April – 2 May 2016

Third term 13-20 June 2016: Additional classes for students with low attainment in primary schools 8-19 August 2016: Preliminary classes for students with who will take remedial exams or exams for faster progress

13-27 June 2016: Additional classes for students with low attainment 8-12 August 2016: Preliminary classes for students with who will take remedial exams or exams for faster progress

Summer 13 June – 31 August 2016 11 June – 31 August 2016


8 September 2015 12 October 2015 23 October 2015 8 December 2015 29 April – 2 May 2016 24 May 2016

8 September 2015 12 October 2015 23 October 2015 8 December 2015 29 April – 2 May 2016 24 May 2016




Source: Eurydice.

FRANCE





End of students’ school year 5 July 2016 5 July 2016

Autumn holidays 2 weeks 17 October – 1 November 2015

2 weeks 17 October – 1 November 2015



Winter/Carnival 2 weeks 13-28 February 2016 (zone A) 6-21 February 2016 (zone B) 20 February – 6 March 2016 (zone C)

2 weeks 13-28 February 2016 (zone A) 6-21 February 2016 (zone B) 20 February – 6 March 2016 (zone C)

Spring/Easter 2 weeks 9-24 April 2016 (zone A) 2-17 April 2016 (zone B) 16 April – 1 May 2016 (zone C)

2 weeks 9-24 April 2016 (zone A) 2-17 April 2016 (zone B) 16 April – 1 May 2016 (zone C)

Summer 8.5 weeks 5 July – 1 September 2016

8.5 weeks 5 July – 1 September 2016

Public/religious holidays The following dates are regarded as public holidays by all institutions: 11 November 2015 1 January 2016 28 March 2016 1 May 2016 5 May 2016 8 May 2016 16 May 2016

The following dates are regarded as public holidays by all institutions: 11 November 2015 1 January 2016 28 March 2016 1 May 2016 5 May 2016 8 May 2016 16 May 2016




Source: Eurydice.

1

GERMANY



1 August 2015 begin of official school year (for details see table I)

End of students’ school year 31 July 2016 end of official school year (for details see table I)

Autumn holidays 3 to 13 days staggered between 30 September and 7 November 2015 (for details see table II)

Christmas/New Year 11 to 18 days staggered between 18 December 2015 and 11 January 2016 (for details see table II)

Winter/Carnival 0 to 12 days staggered between 28 January and 20 February 2016 (for details see table II)

Spring/Easter 6 to 17 days staggered between 7 March and 9 April 2016 (for details see table II)

Third term 0 to 11 days staggered between 6 May and 28 May 2016 (for details see table II)

Summer 6 weeks staggered between 7 July and 13 September 2016 (for details see table I)

Public/religious holidays Up to 10 days, depending on the Land


1 August 2015 (official date)

End of teachers’ school year 31 July 2016 (official date)

Source: Eurydice

TABLE I: Specification for starting/end of students’ school year and summer holidays

Beginning of students’ school year

2015/16


2015/16

Summer holidays 2016

Hamburg 27 August 2015 20 July 2016 21 July – 31 August Berlin 31 August 2015 20 July 2016 21 July – 2 September Brandenburg 31 August 2015 20 July 2016 21 July – 3 September Mecklenburg-Vorpommern/ Schleswig-Holstein

31 August 2015 23 July 2016 25 July – 3 September

Bremen / Niedersachsen 3 September 2015 22 June 2016 23 June – 3 August Rheinland-Pfalz / Hessen Saarland


15 July 2016 16 July 2016

18 July – 26 August 18 July – 27 August

Sachsen / Thüringen 24 August 2015 24 June 2016 27 June – 5 / 10 August Sachsen-Anhalt 27 August 2015 24 June 2016 27 June – 10 August Nordrhein-Westfalen 12 August 2015 8 July 2016 11 July – 23 August Baden-Württemberg 14 September 2015 27 July 2016 28 July – 10 September Bayern 15 September 2015 29 July 2016 30 July – 12 September

2

GERMANY (CONTINUED)

TABLE II: Specification of shorter holiday periods

Land Autumn 2015

Christmas /New Year 2015/16

Winter 2016

Spring / Easter 2016

3rd term 2016

Baden-Württemberg

2-6 November 23 Dec. – 9 Jan. - 29 Mar. – 2 April 17-28 May

Bayern 2-7 November 24 Dec. – 5 Jan. 8-12 February 21 Mar. – 1 April 17-28 May

Berlin 19-31 October 23 Dec. – 2 Jan. 1-6 February 21 Mar. – 2 April 6 + 17-18 May

Brandenburg 19-30 October 23 Dec. – 2 Jan. 1-6 February 23 Mar. – 2 April 6 + 17 May

Bremen 19-31 October 23 Dec. – 6 Jan. 28-29 January 18 Mar. – 2 April 17 May

Hamburg 19-30 October 21 Dec. – 1 Jan. 29 January 7-18 March 6 + 17-20 May

Hessen 19-31 October 23 Dec. – 9 Jan. - 29 Mar. – 9 April -

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

24-30 October 21 Dec. – 2 Jan. 1-13 February 21-30 March 14-17 May

Niedersachsen 19-31 October 23 Dec. – 6 Jan. 28-29 January 18 Mar. – 2 April 6 + 17 May

Nordrhein-Westfalen

5-17 October 23 Dec. – 6 Jan. - 21 Mar. – 2 April 17 May

Rheinland-Pfalz 19-30 October 23 Dec. – 8 Jan. - 18 Mar. – 1 April -

Saarland 19-31 October 21 Dec. – 2 Jan. 8-13 February 29 Mar. – 9 April -

Sachsen 12-24 October 21 Dec. – 2 Jan. 8-20 February 25 Mar. – 2 April 6 May

Sachsen-Anhalt 17-24 October 21 Dec. – 5 Jan. 1-10 February 24 March 6-14 May

Schleswig-Holstein

19-31 October 21 Dec. – 6 Jan. - 24 Mar. – 9 April 6 May

Thüringen 5-17 October 23 Dec. – 2 Jan. 1-6 February 24 Mar. – 2 April 6 May

Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: In accordance with the Hamburg Agreement between the Länder on harmonisation in the school system, the school year begins on 1 August and ends on 31 July. The actual beginning and end depend on the dates of the summer holidays which vary from one year to the other.

GREECE





End of students’ school year 15 June 2016 The date in question, set after a Ministerial Decision (usually around 20 May), is subject to annual arrangement both for lower and upper secondary education. The beginning of the exam period is set within the second fortnight of May and the end of the exam period, within the last week of June.



Spring/Easter 2 weeks 25 April – 6 May 2016

2 weeks 25 April – 6 May 2016

Summer

Around 12 weeks 16 June – 10 September 2016

Around 10 weeks After the end of the exam period in June until 10 September 2016

National/religious holidays 28 October 2015 17 November 2015 30 January 2016 (religious school celebration) Saturday this year 14 March 2016 (Ash Monday) 25 March 2016 20 June 2016 (Holy spirit bank holiday only for teachers) and some regional holidays

28 October 2015 17 November 2015 30 January 2016 (religious school celebration)

14 March 2016 25 March 2016 20 June 2016 (Holy spirit bank holiday only for teachers) and some regional holidays




Additional notes: The official school year for both primary and secondary education lasts from 1 September 2015 until 31 August 2016. At primary level, according to Presidential Decree 200/1998 (Government Gazette 161/issue A'/13-7-1998) and Presidential Decree 201/1998 (Government Gazette 161/issue A'/13-7-1998), the didactic year lasts from 1 September until 21 June of the following year. At secondary level, according to Presidential Decree 123/1987, the didactic year lasts from 1 September until 30 June of the following year.

http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wEeWRs27M2niXdtvSoClrL8px6_ZGPuoJd5MXD0LzQTLWPU9yLzB8V68knBzLCmTXKaO6fpVZ6Lx9hLslJUqeiQburEKfXuyEBf7e4wkZjf2XXjlN0CcvizlnhOBRMm6m8.

http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wEeWRs27M2niXdtvSoClrL8px6_ZGPuoJd5MXD0LzQTLWPU9yLzB8V68knBzLCmTXKaO6fpVZ6Lx9hLslJUqeiQburEKfXuyEBf7e4wkZjf2XXjlN0CcvizlnhOBRMm6m8.

HUNGARY


Primary and lower secondary education

General upper secondary education



End of students’ school year 15 June 2016 15 June 2016 (29 April 2016 in the final upper secondary grade)

Autumn holidays 23 October – 1 November 2015 23 October – 1 November 2015

Christmas/New Year holidays 19 December 2015 – 3 January 2016


Spring/Easter holidays 24-28 March 2016 24-28 March 2016

Summer holidays 11 weeks 16 June – 31 August 2016

11 weeks 16 June – 31 August 2016

Public/religious holidays 15 March 2016 (The Day of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848) 1 May 2016 (Labour Day) 16 May 2016 (Whit Monday)

15 March 2016 (The Day of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848) 1 May 2016(Labour Day) 16 May 2016 (Whit Monday)


Institutional autonomy takes into account the concerning legal provision*


End of teachers’ school year Institutional autonomy takes into account the concerning legal provision*


Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: According to the Act on Public Education, the minister responsible for education specifies the schedule of the school year in a ministerial decree. The Act stipulates that the school year starts on the first working day of September every year and finishes on the last working day prior to 16 June. Thus schools have no autonomy in changing the first and last day of the school year but they have some autonomy in giving extra holidays before or after public holidays or school holidays for practical reasons (e.g. if a public holiday falls on a Thursday, the school may give Friday as holiday) if they provide teaching on a regular resting day (weekend) instead. In addition to compulsory school days (181 days in basic schools and 180 days in upper-secondary schools), schools also have five (in basic schools) or six (in upper-secondary schools) non-teaching days for educational purposes. Holidays at schools providing minority education may differ from the above described school holidays to celebrate national traditions. * Act No. XXXIII of 1992 on the legal status of public servants and the Government Decree No. 326/2013 stipulate that the holidays of teachers primarily have to be given during the summer holiday. If not all days can be taken during that, the rest has to be provided during the autumn, winter or spring holidays or teaching days. (For teachers the autumn, winter and spring holidays are regarded as workdays without teaching).

ICELAND


Primary and lower secondary education



Between 21 and 24 August 2015

Between 13 and 17 August 2015

End of students’ school year Between 6 and 10 June 2016 Between 23 and 27 May 2016

Autumn holidays 2-3 days in October 2015 2-3 days in October 2015



Winter/Carnival 2-3 days in February 2016 2-3 days in February 2016

Spring/Easter 8 days 21 March – 28 March 2016

8 days 21 March – 28 March 2016

Summer 11 weeks Between 7 June and 21 August 2016

12 weeks Between 26 May and 23 August 2016

Public/religious holidays 21 April 2016 5 May 2016 16 May 2016

21 April 2016 5 May 2016 16 May 2016



End of teachers’ school year Between 5 and 11 June 2016 Between 28 May and 1 June 2016

Source: Eurydice

Additional notes: According to teachers wage contracts compulsory school teachers shall work in schools 4 days before the beginning of the school year and 4 days after the formal end of the school year. Upper secondary school teachers have a total of 4 working days before the beginning and/or the end of the school year.

1

IRELAND




First week of September 2015 (1) Circa 31st August 2015

End of students’ school year End of June 2016 (2) End of State Examinations in June 2016

Autumn holidays 1 week 26-30 October 2015 (inclusive)

1 week 26-30 October 2015 (inclusive)

Christmas/New Year 2 weeks 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 (inclusive)

2 weeks 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 (inclusive)

Winter/Carnival 2 days 18-19 February 2016 (3)


Spring/Easter 2 weeks + 1 day 18 March – 1 April 2016 (inclusive)

2 weeks + 1 day 18 March – 1 April 2016 (inclusive)

Summer About 9 weeks End of June until week of 1 September 2016

About 12 weeks June, July and most of August 2016

Public/religious holidays 17 March 2016 2 May 2016 6 June 2016 and some religious holidays

17 March 2016 2 May 2016 6 June 2016 and some religious holidays



End of teachers’ school year 31 August 2016 31 August 2016

Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes:

Primary Education (1) In order to meet the overall requirement of 183 days at primary level, the school year will normally commence in the

week that 1 September falls. The exact date is determined locally at Board of Management level. (2) School may use their own discretion to determine the precise ending of the school year in June, providing it has met

the overall requirement of 183 days. (3) Primary school may use 3 discretionary days to extend their Winter/Carnival break to an alternative option of a 5 day

break. Circular 0016/2014 sets out the standardised school breaks at primary and post-primary level for the school years 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17.

2

IRELAND (CONTINUED)

The arrangements for standardised closure at primary level (Circular 0016/2014) are agreed without prejudice to closure on specific days, within the overall requirement of 183 days at primary level, dictated by religious observance that is required in schools under patronage of different denominations or faiths. In the absence of an adequate number of discretionary days a school authority may choose to utilise a religious observation day for non-tuition purpose when planning the school year.

The existing arrangements for school breaks may provide some limited flexibility to schools on certain other days outside of the defined periods. The scheduling of such days must not be used to extend or modify the period set out above in respect of mid-term, Christmas and Easter breaks save where a school has been affected by extensive or prolonged school closures or religious observance requirements of a school under a particular patronage makes this necessary.

It was not a requirement of this agreement that the commencement or end of the school year either at primary or post primary level should be standardised.

General Secondary In accordance with Circular M29/95, the minimum number of teaching days per post-primary school will be 167. In addition, in accordance with Circular 0016/2014, holiday periods during the school year have been standardised, i.e. midterm breaks, Christmas and Easter holidays. Traditionally, formal instruction ends in post-primary schools on the Friday preceding the June bank holiday weekend. State examinations normally commence the following Wednesday. In order for schools to meet their requirement to be open for 167 days during 2015/16 school year, it is expected that post-primary schools will be open circa the 31 August 2015.

The above holidays are standardised in accordance with Circular 0016/2014. The school year at post-primary level is very tight and does not allow for any additional holidays, as schools must comply with the minimum number of 167 days. In fact, in recent years, since the standardised school calendar, many schools which would have traditionally opened on the 1 September are now opening in late August in order to meet their full complement of days. There is more flexibility at primary school level, as they are not restricted by the end of year State exams.

1

ITALY




Between 7 and 16 September 2015


End of students’ school year Between 3 and 16 June 2016 Between 3 and 16 June 2016

Autumn holidays – –

Christmas/New Year 12 to 14 days between 22-24 December 2015 and 5 January 2016

12 to 14 days between 22-24 December 2015 and 5 January 2016

Winter/Carnival 1-5 days in February 1-5 days in February

Spring/Easter 2 to 6 days between 24 March and 26-30 March 2016, depending on the regions

2 to 6 days between 24 March and 26-30 March 2016, depending on the regions

Third term – –

Summer 12-13 weeks

Between June and September 2016

12-13 weeks

Between June and September 2016

Public/religious holidays 1 November 2015

25 April 2016

1 May 2016

2 June 2016

(and Saints’ days depending on the regions)

1 November 2015

25 April 2016

1 May 2016

2 June 2016

(and Saints’ days depending on the regions)




Source: Eurydice

2

ITALY (CONTINUED)

Specification of terms for the beginning and the end of the school year 2015/16

Primary and general secondary education Beginning 2015 End 2016

Abruzzo 14 September 7 June

Alto Adige (Bolzano) 7 September (5-day weeks) 7 September (6-day weeks)

16 June ( 5-day weeks) 16 June (6-day weeks)

Basilicata 14 September 9 June

Calabria 14 September 8 June

Campania 14 September 8 June

Emilia-Romagna 15 September 6 June

Friuli-Venezia Giulia 14 September 11 June

Lazio 15 September 8 June

Liguria 14 September 8 June

Lombardia 14 September 8 June

Marche 14 September 3 June (5-day weeks) 4 June (6-day weeks)

Molise 9 September 4 June

Piemonte 14 September 9 June

Puglia 16 September 8 June

Sardegna 14 September 10 June

Sicilia 14 September 9 June

Toscana 15 September 10 June

Trentino (Trento) 10 September 7 June

Umbria 14 September 8 June

Valle d’Aosta 14 September 11 June

Veneto 16 September 8 June

Additional notes:

Schools can adjust the school calendar, established by the Regions, to the POF’s requirements (the POF is the basic document of the cultural and planning identity of each school. It defines the curricular, extra-curricular, educational and organisational projects of each school). Schools can organise in a flexible way the overall and single-subject timetable, provided that lessons spread over a minimum of five days per week and that the prescribed number of hours for the single subjects is complied with. The school year begins between the 2nd and the 4th week of September and finishes between the 1st and the 3rd week of June. The school adaptations of the school time should guarantee at least 200 days of lesson in the school year. According to school autonomy, schools have up to 5 or 6 days available, which are foreseen for the suspension of educational activities.

LATVIA


Integrated primary and lower secondary education




End of students’ school year 30 May 2016 30 May 2016



Winter holidays (Christmas/New Year)




1 week 14-18 March 2016 21-25 March 2016 (for the 12th class)

Summer 13 weeks 31 May – 31 August 2016

13 weeks 31 May – 31 August 2016

Public/religious holidays 18 November 2015 (Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia) 25-28 March 2016 (Easter) 1 May 2016 (Convocation of the Constituent Assembly of the Republic of Latvia; Labour Day) 4 May 2016 (Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia)

18 November 2015 (Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia) 25-28 March 2016 (Easter) 1 May 2016 (Convocation of the Constituent Assembly of the Republic of Latvia; Labour Day) 4 May 2016 (Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia)


See additional notes See additional notes

End of teachers’ school year See additional notes See additional notes

Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: Single structure compulsory education (integrated primary and lower-secondary education (pamatizglītība)): end of the school year for the 9th class: 10 June 2016. Upper secondary education: end of the school year for the 12th class: 17 June 2016. The school year is divided in two semesters: the first from 1 September to 18 December 2015 and the second from 4 January to 30 May 2016 (or 10 June for the 9th class and 17 June for the 12th class). Education institutions decide when to carry out an additional 1 week long holidays in the second semester for the 1st class. Education institutions decide when to carry out a 1 week long project week in the second semester. Extension of the school year for classes 1-8 and 10-11 may be made if specific circumstances hindering education process arise during the school year (e.g. extreme temperature, strike, emergency situation in school, etc.). Holidays (summer 2015): These are the dates for the official summer holiday period for classes 1-8 and 10-11. Public holidays: When the specific holidays of 18 November (Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia) and 4 May (Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia) fall on Saturday or Sunday, the holiday is transferred to the next working day. Teachers: The teachers’ school year concurs fully with students’ year, but normally is longer and starts earlier, though the end and the start date is not defined officially. Teachers have the right to receive 8 weeks of paid annual leave in summer.

LIECHTENSTEIN


Primary education and general secondary education


17 August 2015

End of students’ school year 1 July 2016

Autumn holidays 2 weeks 3-18 October 2015



Spring/Easter 2.5 weeks 24 March – 10 April 2016


Public/religious holidays 8 September 2015 – Birth of the Blessed Virgin Marie (Mariä Geburt) 1 November 2015 – All Saints Day (Allerheiligen) 8 December 2015 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Mariä Empfängnis) 1/2 February 2016 - Candlemas 19 March 2016 – St. Josephs Day (Josefitag) 27/28 March 2016 – Easter Monday (Ostern/Ostermontag) 1 May 2016 – Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit) 5/6 May 2015 – Ascension Day (Auffahrt) 15/16 May 2016 – Whitsuntide/Whit Monday (Pfingsten/Pfingsmontag) 25/26 June 2016 – Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam)


17 August 2015

End of teachers’ school year 1 July 2016

Source: Office of Education Liechtenstein: http://www.llv.li/files/onlineschalter/Dokument-121.pdf

LITHUANIA





End of students’ school year 31 May 2016 3 June 2016*

Autumn holidays 1 week

26-30 October 2015

1 week

26-30 October 2015

Christmas/New Year 2 weeks


2 weeks


Winter/Carnival 15 February 2016 15 February 2016**

Spring/Easter 1 week

21-25 March 2016

1 week

21-25 March 2016

Summer 13 weeks

1 June – 31 August 2016

12,5 weeks

6 June – 31 August 2016***


16 February 2016

11 March 2016

1 May 2016

1 November 2015

16 February 2016

11 March 2016

1 May 2016


Following the general teaching plans and subject to the agreement of the school head and teacher

Following the general teaching plans and subject to the agreement of the school head and teacher

End of teachers’ school year Following the general teaching plans and subject to the agreement of the school head and teacher****

Following the general teaching plans and subject to the agreement of the school head and teacher****

Source: General Curriculum Framework for Primary and Secondary Education

Additional notes:

* The end of students’ school year in grade 5 (first year of lower secondary education) is on 31 May 2016 and in grade 12 (last year of upper secondary education) is on 26 May 2016.

** Additional 10 days holidays are allocated to pupils of grades 1 to 5. It is required that the school agreed additional holidays with parents and school council. At national level, it is recommended that additional holidays would coincide with 6-12 grades winter holidays. *** Summer holidays for students in grade 5 start on 1 June 2016 and in grade 12 on 27 May 2016. **** The annual amount of leave for teachers is legislated as 56 calendar days. Normally, it is recommended that teachers take their annual leave during school summer holidays (i.e. teachers’ leave is normally determined by the school calendar).

LUXEMBOURG





End of students’ school year 15 July 2016 15 July 2016

Autumn holidays 1 week 31 October – 8 November 2015

1 week 31 October – 8 November 2015







Third term 1 week 14-22 May 2016

1 week 14-22 May 2016

Summer 8 weeks 16 July – 14 September 2016

8 weeks 16 July – 14 September 2016

Public/religious holidays 1 November 2015 (All Saints' Day) 1 May 2016 (Labour Day) 5 May 2016 (Ascension Day) 16 May 2016 (Whit Monday) 23 June 2016 (National Holiday)

1 November 2015 (All Saints' Day) 1 May 2016 (Labour Day) 5 May 2016 (Ascension Day) 16 May 2016 (Whit Monday) 23 June 2016 (National Holiday)




Source: Eurydice.

MALTA





Autumn holidays 2-3 November 2015 2-3 November 2015

Christmas / New Year 23 December 2015 – 6 January 2016


Winter / Carnival 8-9 February 2016 8-9 February 2016

Spring / Easter 23-30 March 2016 23 – 30 March 2016

Third term 1 April – 28 June 2016 1 April – 28 June 2016

Summer 30 June – 24 September 2016 30 June – 24 September 2016

Public / religious holidays

8 December 2015 10 February 2016 31 March 2016 7 June 2016 29 June 2016

8 December 2015 10 February 2016 31 March 2016 7 June 2016 29 June 2016

Starting date of teachers’ school year 24 September 2015 24 September 2015


Additional notes:

Half-yearly examinations take place between 1 and 4 February 2016 for pupils in the last three years of primary school and between 11 and 24 February 2016 for secondary school students.

The Annual Examinations take place between 22 and 24 June 2016 for primary school pupils and between 13 and 28 June 2016 for secondary school students.

Students of Year 6 in primary schools sit for End-of-Primary Benchmark Assessments held between 26 and 27 May (oral components) and between 30 May and 2 June 2016 (for the written components).

Teachers are required to attend in-service training (INSET) for three days either prior to the beginning of the school year or immediately at the end of the school year. This training is held on 18, 22 and 23 September 2015 and on 7, 8 and 11 July 2016.

Teachers who attend INSET courses in September 2015 start their school year on 18 September 2015. Teachers who attend INSET courses in July 2016 end their school year on 11 July 2016.

During the month of June schools are on half-days.

MONTENEGRO

Organisation of school time in primary and general secondary education 2015/16




End of students’ school year 10 June 2016 20 May 2016 (in the final year)

10 June 2016 20 May 2016 (in the final year)

Christmas/New Year/Winter 25-27 December 2015 1-3 January 2016 7-9 January 2016

25-27December 2015 1-3 January 2016 7-9 January 2016

Winter/Carnival 4-25 January 2016 4-25 January 2016

Summer 13 June – 31 August 2016 13 June – 31 August 2016 Note: for the students in vocational education who have professional internship (10-15 days), the summer vacation begins after the end of the internship.


25-27 December 2015 (Catholic Christmas) 1-3 January 2016 (New Year’s Day) 7-9 January 2016 (Orthodox Christmas) 27 March 2016 Easter Day (Catholic) 1 May 2016 Easter Day(Orthodox) 1 May 2016 (International Labour Day) 21 May 2016 (Independence Day) 13 July 2016 (Statehood Day)

25-27 December 2015 (Catholic Christmas) 1-3 January 2016 (New Year’s Day) 7-9 January 2016 (Orthodox Christmas) 27 March 2016 Easter Day (Catholic) 1 May 2016 Easter Day(Orthodox) 1 May 2016 (International Labour Day) 21 May 2016 (Independence Day) 13 July 2016 (Statehood Day)




Source: Eurydice.

1

THE NETHERLANDS




Northern region: 17 August 2015 Central region: 24 August 2015 Southern region: 31 August 2015

Northern region: 17 August 2015 Central region: 24 August 2015 Southern region: 31 August 2015

End of students’ school year Northern region: 15 July 2016 Central region: 8 July 2016 Southern region: 22 July 2016

Northern region: 15 July 2016 Central region: 8 July 2016 Southern region: 22 July 2016

Autumn holidays Northern region: 17 to 25 October 2015 Central region: 17 to 25 October 2015 Southern region: 24 October to 1 November 2015

Northern region: 17 to 25 October 2015 Central region: 17 to 25 October 2015 Southern region: 24 October to 1 November 2015

Christmas/New Year holidays 19 December 2015 to 3 January 2016

19 December 2015 to 3 January 2016

Winter/Carnival (Spring Holiday or Crocus Holiday)

Northern region: 27 February to 6 March 2016 Central region: 20 to 28 February 2016 Southern region: 20 to 28 February 2016

Northern region: 27 February to 6 March 2016 Central region: 20 to 28 February 2016 Southern region: 20 to 28 February 2016

Spring/Easter (May Holiday) 30 April – 8 May 2016 30 April – 8 May 2016

Summer Northern region: 16 July to 28 August 2016 Central region: 9 July to 21 August 2016 Southern region: 23 July to 4 September 2016

Northern region: 16 July to 28 August 2016 Central region: 9 July to 21 August 2016 Southern region: 23 July to 4 September 2016


28 March 2016 (Easter Monday) 27 April 2016 (King’s Birthday) 5 May 2016 (Liberation day) 5 May 2016* (Ascension Day) 16 May 2016 (Whit Monday) * in 2016 is this the same day as Liberation Day

28 March 2016 (Easter Monday) 27 April 2016 (King’s Birthday) 5 May 2016 (Liberation day) 5 May 2016 (Ascension Day) 16 May 2016 (Whit Monday)




2

The Netherlands (continued)

Additional notes:

The school year officially runs from 1 August to 31 July of the following year. The start and end of the school year of the individual schools is according to the region (Northern, Central and Southern region).

Dates for the summer holidays are decided by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science; the holiday period is staggered over 3 regions (compulsory dates for all schools); also dates for Christmas holidays and May holidays (one week) are decided by the Ministry; other holidays are recommended by the Ministry.

A balanced distribution of teaching time is important in the Netherlands. Schools have the opportunity to deviate from the recommended data, but they have to take into account the wishes and expectations of the parents/caregivers. The Primary Education Act requires schools to provide at least 7,520 teaching hours over the eight years that children attend school.

• *) In the Netherlands Carnival holiday is called Spring Holiday or Crocus Holiday

• If the recommended period for the Spring Holiday does not fit with Carnival week; it can be expected that schools, especially in the Southern areas of the Netherlands, will not follow the recommendations and will close for Carnival.

The teachers’ school year is similar to the students’ school year. However, it is at the school’s discretion to decide whether teachers are expected to end or start later (in order to attend meetings, for preparation of timetable, other non-teaching activities etc.)

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fpfis/mwikis/eurydice/index.php/Netherlands:Legislation#Primary_Education_Act_and_Expertise_Centres_Act

NORWAY





End of students’ school year Between 17 and 23 June 2016 Between 17 and 24 June 2016

Autumn holidays 1 week (some only 2-3 days) Between 28 September and 9 October 2015

1 week (some only 2-3 days) Between 28 September and 9 October 2015

Christmas/New Year Around 2 weeks

From 18-23 December 2015 until 4-6 January 2016

Around 2 weeks From 18-23 December 2015 until 4-6 January 2016

Winter/Carnival 1 week Between 15 February and 2 March 2016

1 week Between 15 February and 2 March 2016

Spring/Easter 8 or 9 days Between 21 March and 28/29 March 2016

8 or 9 days Between 21 March and 28/29 March 2016

Third term – –

Summer Around 8 weeks Between 17/24 June and 17/22 August 2016

Around 8 weeks Between 17/24 June and 17/22 August 2016

Public/religious holidays 1 May 2016 (Labour Day) 5 May 2016 (Ascension Day) 16 May 2016 (Whit Monday) 17 May 2016 (National Day)

1 May 2016 (Labour Day) 5 May 2016 (Ascension Day) 16 May 2016 (Whit Monday) 17 May 2016 ( National Day)




Source: KS/ Eurydice.

Additional notes: For the primary schools can the municipality decide individually the school holidays, as the counties can decide for the upper secondary schools. The teachers' work during the school year is counted in working hours. That is 1300 hours for primary education (ISCED 1), 1225 hours for lower secondary education (ISCED 2) and 1150 hours for upper secondary education. It is an individual matter for each school if the work hours, longer than for the students, are before the beginning or after the end of the school year.

POLAND






Autumn holidays – –

Christmas/New Year 23-31 December 2015 23-31 December 2015

Winter 2 weeks as specified for the following regions: 18-31 January 2016 Kujawsko-Pomorskie Lubuskie Małopolskie Świętokrzyskie Wielkopolskie 25 January – 7 February 2016 Podlaskie Warmińsko-Mazurskie 1-14 February 2016 Dolnośląskie Mazowieckie Opolskie Zachodniopomorskie 15-28 February 2016 Lubelskie Łódzkie Podkarpackie Pomorskie Śląskie

2 weeks as specified for the following regions: 18-31 January 2016 Kujawsko-Pomorskie Lubuskie Małopolskie Świętokrzyskie Wielkopolskie 25 January – 7 February 2016 Podlaskie Warmińsko-Mazurskie 1-14 February 2016 Dolnośląskie Mazowieckie Opolskie Zachodniopomorskie 15-28 February 2016 Lubelskie Łódzkie Podkarpackie Pomorskie Śląskie

Spring/ Easter 24-29 March 2016 24-29 March 2016 Third term – –

Summer 27 June – 31 August 2016 27 June – 31 August 2016 Public/religious holidays 11 November 2015

1 January 2016 6 January 2016 3 May 2016 26 May 2016

11 November 2015 1 January 2016 6 January 2016 3 May 2016 26 May 2016



End of teachers’ school year 24 June 2016 24 June 2016 Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: In addition, the school head has the possibility to determine some extra days off (up to 6 days for primary schools, basic vocational schools, post-secondary schools, continuous education institutions; up to 8 days for lower secondary schools; up to 10 days for upper secondary schools) that may be devoted to external tests and exams and/or religious festivals not being registered as official public holidays. Teacher holiday period altogether is 47 days. The school head may oblige a teacher to work for the benefit of their school for 7 days over their summer or winter holidays. In addition, during the summer holidays teachers carry out tasks related to recruitment and exam procedures.

PORTUGAL






End of students’ school year*

9 June 2016 3 June 2016 – years 9, 11 and 12 9 June 2016 – years 7, 8 and 10

First term 15/21 September – 17 December 2015

15/21 September – 17 December 2015



Second term 4 January – 18 March 2016 4 January – 18 March 2016

Winter/Carnival 8-10 February 2016 8-10 February 2016

Spring/Easter 21 March – 1 April 2016 21 March – 1 April 2016

Third term* 4 April 9 June 2016

4 April 3 June 2016 – years 9, 11 and 12 9 June 2016 – years 7, 8 and 10

Summer* About 13 weeks From 9 June until mid-September 2016

About 13 weeks From 3 or 9 June until mid-September 2016

Public/religious holidays 8 December 2015 1 May 2016 10 June 2016 (plus holidays at municipal level)

8 December 2015 1 May 2016 10 June 2016 (plus holidays at municipal level)

Starting date of teachers’ school year**


End of teachers’ school year**


Source: Eurydice. Additional notes: * The end of the year for pupils in years 4 and 6 having extra support is 12 July 2016. National exams occur until the end of July. ** The official teachers’ school year lasts from 1 September to 31 August. Teachers have the right to take summer holidays between the end of pupils’ school year and the beginning of the following school year.

ROMANIA






Autumn holidays 31 October – 8 November 2015 –



Winter/Carnival 30 January – 7 February 2016 30 January – 7 February 2016

Spring/Easter 23 April – 3 May 2016 23 April – 3 May 2016

Summer 18 June – 4 September 2016 18 June – 4 September 2016


1 December 2015

30 November 2015

1 December 2015




Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: 1. The schools and the School Inspectorates will mark with specific events the following days:

- 5 October 2015 = World Teachers’ Day

- 5 June 2016 = Primary Teacher’s Day

2. The week 18-22 April 2016 in the second semester is dedicated to extracurricular and extra-school activities, within the programme Other kind of school: Know more, Be better! [Școala altfel: Să știi mai multe, să fii mai bun!], with a specific timetable. 3. In exceptional situations, depending on the local climatic conditions and school's specificity, the organisation of the school year can be modified at the request of schools, approved by the regional education authorities (County School Inspectorate). Approval is given if the number of 177 school days (36 weeks) is maintained and all pupils may participate without restrictions in national examinations.

SERBIA


Primary and lower secondary education (Primary school)

Upper secondary education (Secondary school)

Starting date of students’ school year 1 September 2015


Final (8th) grade: 1 June 2016

Other grades: 15 June 2016

Final (4th) grade: 25 May 2016

Final grade (3rd or 4th grade) in vocational secondary schools:

1 June 2016

Other grades: 22 June 2016

Autumn holidays 9-11 November 2015


Winter/Carnival 30 January – 16 February 2016

Spring/Easter 28 April – 3 May 2016

Summer 16 June – 31 August 2016 23 June – 31 August 2016

Public/religious holidays 11 November 2015 1-2 January 2016 7 January 2016

15-16 February 2016 29 April – 3 May 2016


Exact starting date of teachers’ school year is determined at institutional (school) level. As required at central level, teachers have vacation days as any other employees (minimum is 20 days per year for teachers entering the profession), which they have to use during the school holidays. Teachers usually start the school year a couple of weeks before students (mid-August).

End of teachers’ school year Exact end date of teachers’ school year is determined at institutional (school) level. As required at central level, teachers have vacation days as any other employees (minimum is 20 days per year for teachers entering the profession), which they have to use during the school holidays. Teachers usually end the school year several weeks after students (mid-July).

Source: Eurydice. Additional notes: The Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia issues the school calendar for primary and secondary education each year for the forthcoming school year. Final grade students in both primary and secondary education finish the school year earlier in order to prepare for final and entrance exams.

SLOVAKIA






Autumn holidays 2 days 29-30 October 2015

2 days

29-30 October 2015



Winter/Carnival 1 week according to regions: 15-19 February 2016 Košice, Prešov

22-26 February 2016 Bratislava, Nitra, Trnava

29 February – 4 March 2016 Banska Bystrica, Žilina, Trenčín

1 week according to regions: 15-19 February 2016 Košice, Prešov

22-26 February 2016 Bratislava, Nitre, Trnava

29 February – 4 March 2016 Banska Bystrica, Žilina, Trenčín

Spring/Easter 4 days (Easter holidays) 24-29 March 2016

4 days (Easter holidays) 24-29 March 2016

Summer 9 weeks 1 July – 2 September 2016

9 weeks 1 July – 2 September 2016

Public/religious holidays 1 September 2015

15 September 2015

17 November 2015 1 February 2016

1 September 2015

15 September 2015

17 November 2015 1 February 2016


Usually one week before beginning of the school year

Usually one week before beginning of the school year

End of teachers’ school year Usually, one week after summer holidays begin

Usually, one week after summer holidays begin

Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: Official school year lasts from 1 September to 31 August. If 2 September falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday starting date of school year is next Monday. According to the Labour Code, teachers and school heads at primary and secondary levels have 8 weeks of holidays per calendar year. They take it during the holidays. Usually, teachers work one week after beginning of summer holidays and one week before the beginning of the school year.

SLOVENIA

Organisation of school time in single structure education and general upper secondary education

2015/16 school year Single structure education General upper secondary

education Starting date of students’ school year


End of students’ school year 24 June 2016 15 June 2016 (final grade)

24 June 2016 20 May 2016 (final grade)

Autumn holidays 1 week 26 to 30 October 2015

1 week 26 to 30 October 2015

Christmas/New Year 1 week 25 December 2015 to 1 January 2016

1 week 25 December 2015 to 1 January 2016

Winter/Carnival 1 week 15-19 February 2016 (Western region) 22-26 February 2016 (Eastern region)

1 week 15-19 February 2016 (Western region) 22-26 February 2016 (Eastern region)

Spring holidays 1 week 27 April – 2 May 2016

1 week 27 April – 2 May 2016

Summer holidays 10 weeks 27 June – 31 August 2016

10 weeks 27 June – 31 August 2016

Public/religious holidays 28 March 2016 (Easter Monday)

28 March 2016 (Easter Monday)


10-15 days before students start school

10-15 days before students start school

End of teachers’ school year Beginning to mid-July 2016 Beginning to mid-July 2016

Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: Slovenia has a single structure compulsory school of nine years. For students, the school year officially runs from 1 September to 31 August, however, the lessons end in June. For teachers, the school year begins 10 to 15 days before the students start school and lasts until the beginning or mid-July. The precise length depends on the days of annual leave allocated to an individual (22 to 35 days) and tasks and obligations appointed by the school head.

1

SPAIN

Organisation of school time in primary and general secondary education 2015/16 school year (1, 2)



Between 3 and 14 September 2015 Between 3 and 17 September 2015

End of students’ school year Between 16 and 24 June 2016 Between 9 and 24 June (3) 2016

Christmas/New Year At least 2 weeks between 21 December 2015 and 10 January 2016

At least 2 weeks between 21 December 2015 and 10 January 2016

Winter/Carnival Between 2 and 3 days (depending on the Autonomous Community) (4)

Between 2 and 3 (depending on the Autonomous Community) (4)

Spring/Easter About 10 days in the period between the third week of March and the first week of April 2016

About 10 days in the period between the third week of March and the first week of April 2016

Summer 11 weeks between late June and mid-September

11-12 weeks between late June and mid-September

Public/religious holidays 12 public holidays (some common throughout the country and some specific of the different Autonomous Communities).

12 public holidays (some common throughout the country and some specific of the different Autonomous Communities).



End of teachers’ school year 30 June 2016 30 June 2016 (5)

Additional notes: (1) Dates vary according to the different Autonomous Communities, see the table below. (2) The total minimum number of school days is 175 in primary, lower and upper secondary education in all Autonomous Communities, although there are some additional days in secondary education in several Communities. (3) In the last year of post-compulsory upper general secondary education, classes finish two or three weeks earlier than in other stages. This time is meant for preparing entrance examinations to universities.

(4) In the different Autonomous Communities, the education authorities allocate a certain number of days (between 3 and 6) for Carnival, bank holidays or other free days or grant freedom to schools to allocate these days along the whole school year at their convenience. (5) The management team of Secondary Education Schools must stay in the school until 31 July.

2

SPAIN (CONTINUED)

Specification of terms for the starting and the end of students’ school year 2015/15 in the different Autonomous Communities

Primary education General secondary education (1)

Beginning (2015) End (2016) Beginning (2015) End (2016)

Andalucía 10 September 22 June 15 September 22 June Aragón 10 September 21 June 14 September 23 June Asturias 10 September 21 June 15 September 24 June Baleares 11 September 22 June 11 September 22 June Canarias 09 September 20 June 14 September 20 June Cantabria 10 September 21 June 17 September 24 June Castilla y León 10 September 22 June 17 September 22 June Castilla-La Mancha 07 September 17 June 15 September 22 June Cataluña 14 September 21 June 14 September 21 June Ceuta 09 September 23 June 09 September 17 June

Extremadura 09 September 19 June 14 September 20 June Galicia 10 September 22 June 15 September 23 June La Rioja 11 September 24 June 11 September 24 June Madrid 08 September 21 June 10 September 21 June Melilla 09 September 23 June 09 September 17 June Murcia 07 September 23 June 16 September 23 June

Navarra (2) Not before 10 September Not later 16 June Not before

10 September Not later 16 June

País Vasco (2) Not before 08 September Not later 23 June Not before

08 September Not later 21 June

C. Valenciana 03 September 17 June 03 September 9 June

Additional notes: (1) In the last year of post-compulsory upper general secondary education, classes end up two or three weeks earlier than in the rest of stages. This time is used to prepare the university admission examinations. (2) In these Autonomous Communities schools are free to establish their own calendar taking into account the limit starting and ending dates established by the educational authorities.

Source: School calendars of the Autonomous Communities and the Autonomous Cities of Ceuta and Melilla.

SWEDEN

Organisation of school time in compulsory education (grundskola) and in general upper secondary education (gymnasieskola)

2015/16 school year

Single structure compulsory education (grundskola)

General upper secondary education (gymnasieskola)


Late in August Late in August

End of students’ school year Mid-June Mid-June

According to the Compulsory School Ordinance and the Upper secondary School Ordinance, a school year consists of at least 178 school days and at least 17 holidays – the exact dates vary on regional and municipality level.

Autumn holidays 26-30 October 2015 26-30 October 2015

Christmas/New Year Start between 16-18 December 2015 End between 7-8 January 2016

Start between 16-18 December 2015 End between 7-8 January 2016

Winter/Carnival One week between 15 February – 11 March 2016

One week between 15 February – 11 March 2016

Spring/Easter One week between 21 March – 1 April 2016

One week between 21 March – 1 April 2016

Summer About 10 weeks About 10 weeks

Public/religious holidays 25 March 2016 (Good Friday) 28 March 2016 (Easter Monday) 6 May 2016 (Ascension Day) 6 June 2016 (National Day)

25 March 2016 (Good Friday) 28 March 2016 (Easter Monday) 6 May 2016 (Ascension Day) 6 June 2016 (National Day)


Mid-August Mid-August

End of teachers’ school year Mid-June Mid-June

Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: Sweden has a single structure compulsory school (9 years) with no differences between stages. Starting and finishing dates vary on regional and municipality levels, dates here are indicative. Teachers usually start their work earlier for planning etc. Continuous professional development (CPD) is the responsibility of the employer and it can take place when the pupils are in school or not.

1

SWITZERLAND




Staggered between 10 and 31 August 2015

Staggered between 10 and 31 August 2015

End of students’ school year Staggered between 24 June and 15 July 2016

Staggered between 24 June and 15 July 2016

Autumn holidays Between 1 and 3 weeks Staggered between 26 September and 1 November 2015

Between 1 and 3 weeks Staggered between 26 September and 1 November 2015

Christmas/New Year Between 1 and 2 weeks Staggered between 19 December 2015 and 10 January 2016

Between 1 and 2 weeks Staggered between 19 December 2015 and 10 January 2016

Winter/Carnival Between 1 and 2 weeks Staggered between 30 January and 14 March 2016

Between 1 and 2 weeks Staggered between 30 January and 14 March 2016

Spring/Easter Between 1 and 2 weeks Staggered between 19 March and 8 May 2016

Between 1 and 2 weeks Staggered between 19 March and 8 May 2016

Third term - -

Summer Between 5 and 9 weeks Staggered between 18 June and 28 August 2016

Between 5 and 9 weeks Staggered between 18 June and 28 August 2016

Public/religious holidays 5 May 2016 (Ascension Day) 16 May 2016 (Whit Monday)

5 May 2016 (Ascension Day) 16 May 2016 (Whit Monday)




Source: Eurydice

Additional notes:

According to Switzerland’s federal structure, the starting date / end of students’ school year (for details see table I) and school holidays vary between cantons, in some cantons even between municipalities (for details see table II).

With a few exceptions the teachers’ official school year starts August 1st and ends on 31 July. However, it is at the school’s discretion to decide whether teachers are expected to start or end later (in order to attend meetings, to prepare for teaching, etc.).

The only national holiday is August 1st (National Day). All other public and religious holidays are fixed by the cantons. New Year’s Day, Ascension and Christmas Day are the only holidays all cantons have in common. In most cantons Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday and Boxing Day are also official holidays.

2

SWITZERLAND (CONTINUED)

TABLE I: Specification for starting/end of students’ school year and summer holidays

Canton Beginning of students’ school year

2015/16


2015/16

Summer holidays 2016

Aargau 10 August 2015 15 July 2016 16 July – 7 August

Appenzell Innerrhoden* 17 August 2015 1 July 2016 2 July – 14 August

Appenzell Ausserrhoden 10 August 2015 8 July 2016 9 July – 14 August

Bern* 10 August 2015 1 July 2016 2 July – 14 August

Basel-Landschaft 17 August 2015 1 July 2016 2 July – 14 August

Basel-Stadt 17 August 2015 1 July 2016 2 July – 14 August

Fribourg* 26 August 2015 8 July 2016 9 July – 24 August

Geneva 24 August 2015 1 July 2016 2 July – 28 August

Glarus 10 August 2015 1 July 2016 2 July – 14 August

Graubünden* 24 August 2015 1 July 2016 2 July – 21 August

Jura 17 August 2015 1 July 2016 2 July – 14 August

Lucerne* 17 August 2015 8 July 2016 9 July – 21 August

Neuchâtel 17 August 2015 1 July 2016 2 July – 14 August

Nidwalden* 17 August 2015 8 July 2016 9 July – 21 August

Obwalden* 17 August 2015 8 July 2016 9 July – 21 August

St. Gallen 10 August 2015 8 July 2016 9 July – 14 August

Schaffhausen 10 August 2015 8 July 2016 9 July – 14 August

Solothurn 10 August 2015 8 July 2016 9 July – 14 August

Schwyz* 17 August 2015 8 July 2016 9 July – 21 August

Thurgau 10 August 2015 8 July 2016 9 July – 14 August

Ticino 31 August 2015 17 June 2016 18 June – 28 August

Uri* 17 August 2015 1 July 2016 2 July – 14 August

Vaud 24 August 2015 1 July 2016 2 July – 21 August

Valais* 17 August 2015 24 June 2016 25 June – 14 August

Zug 17 August 2015 8 July 2016 9 July – 21 August

Zurich* 17 August 2015 15 July 2016 16 July – 21 August

* with variation between regions/municipalities

3

SWITZERLAND (CONTINUED)

TABLE II: Specification of shorter holiday periods

Canton Autumn 2015

Christmas / New Year 2015/16

Winter 2016

Spring / Easter 2016

Aargau* 26 Sept. – 11 Oct. 19 Dec. – 3 Jan. variable 9-24 April

Appenzell Innerrhoden*

3-18 Oct. 24 Dec. – 3 Jan. 6-14 Feb. 2-17 April

Appenzell Ausserrhoden

3-18 Oct. 24 Dec. – 3 Jan. variable 9-24 April

Bern* 3-18 Oct. 24 Dec. – 10 Jan. variable 9 – 24 April

Basel-Landschaft* 3-18 Oct. 24 Dec. – 3 Jan. 6-21 Feb. 19 March – 3 April

Basel-Stadt 3-18 Oct. 24 Dec. – 3 Jan. 6-21 Feb. 24 March – 3 April

Fribourg* 17 Oct. – 1 Nov. 19 Dec. – 3 Jan. 6-14 Feb. 25 March – 10 April

Geneva 17-25 Oct. 24 Dec. – 10 Jan. 13 – 21 Feb. 25 March – 10 April

Glarus 3-18 Oct. 24 Dec. – 10 Jan. 30 Jan. – 7 Feb. 7-24 April

Graubünden* 10-25 Oct. 23 Dec. – 5 Jan. 27 Feb. – 6 March 16 April – 1 May

Jura 3-18 Oct. 23 Dec. – 10 Jan. 13-21 Feb. 25 March – 10 April

Lucerne* 26 Sept. – 11 Oct. 19 Dec. – 3 Jan. 30 Jan. – 14 Feb. 25 March – 10 April

Neuchâtel 3-18 Oct. 19 Dec. – 3 Jan. 27 Feb. – 6 March 25 March – 10 April

Nidwalden* 26 Sept. – 11 Oct. 19 Dec. – 3 Jan. 30 Jan. – 14 Feb. 25 March – 10 April

Obwalden* 26 Sept. – 11 Oct. 24 Dec. – 6 Jan. 30 Jan. – 14 Feb. 25 March – 10 April

St. Gallen 26 Sept. – 18 Oct. 19 Dec. – 3 Jan. variable 9-24 April

Schaffhausen 26 Sept. – 18 Oct. 24 Dec. – 3 Jan. 30 Jan. – 14 Feb. 16 April – 1 May

Solothurn* 26 Sept. – 18 Oct. 24 Dec. – 10 Jan. 6-21 Feb. 9-24 April

Schwyz* 26 Sept. – 11 Oct. 24 Dec. – 6 Jan. 27 Feb. – 6 March 30 April – 15 May

Thurgau 3-18 Oct. 24 Dec. – 3 Jan. 30 Jan. – 7 Feb. 25 March – 10 April

Ticino 24 Oct. – 1 Nov. 24 Dec. – 6 Jan. 6-14 Feb. 25 March – 3 April

Uri* 3-18 Oct. 24 Dec. – 10 Jan. 27 Feb. – 6 March 23 April – 8 May

Vaud 10-25 Oct. 19 Dec. – 3 Jan. 20 Feb. – 29 Feb. 25 March – 10 April

Valais* 17 Oct. – 1 Nov. 19 Dec. – 3 Jan. 6 Feb. – 14 March 25 March – 3 April

Zug 3-18 Oct. 19 Dec. – 3 Jan. 6-21 Feb. 16 April – 1 May

Zurich* 3-18 Oct. 19 Dec. – 3 Jan. 13-28 Feb. 23 April – 8 May

* with variation between regions/municipalities

TURKEY




14 September 2015 (1st Grade – 7 September 2015)

14 September 2015

End of students’ school year 11 June 2016 11 June 2016 Christmas/New Year 1 January 2016 1 January 2016 Winter/Carnival 2 weeks

25 January – 6 February 2016 2 weeks 25 January – 6 February 2016

Summer 13 weeks 11 June – 14 September 2015

13 weeks 11 June – 14 September 2015

Public/religious holidays 23-27 September 2015 (4.5 days – religious holiday) 28-29 October 2015 (1.5 days – Republic Day) 23 April 2016 (Children's Day) 1 May 2016 (Labour Day) 19 May 2016 (Youth and Sport Day)

23-27 September 2015 (4.5 days – religious holiday) 28-29 October 2015 (1.5 days – Republic Day) 23 April 2016 (Children's Day) 1 May 2016 (Labour Day) 19 May 2016 (Youth and Sport Day)


Beginning September Beginning September

End of teachers’ school year Beginning July Beginning July Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: In primary and general secondary education, a school year must contain at least 180 days. A school year runs 9 months from September to June. A school year is divided into two parts: at the end of a semester, there is a two-week holiday, called mid-school year holiday. The summer holidays are between June and September. Decisions on ending/starting semester dates are made by the Ministry.

Source: The work schedule of Ministry of National Education.

1

UNITED KINGDOM – ENGLAND AND WALES




The first week of September 2015 The first week of September 2015


Between 19 and 26 July 2016 Between 19 and 26 July 2016



Christmas/New Year 2 weeks Between 21 December 2015 and 1 January 2016

2 weeks Between 21 December 2015 and 1 January 2016



Spring/Easter 2 weeks Between 25 March and 8 April 2016

2 weeks Between 25 March and 8 April 2016

Third term 1 week 30 May – 3 June 2016

1 week 30 May – 3 June 2016

Summer 6 weeks Between 19 July and 31 August 2016

6 weeks Between 19 July and 31 August 2016

Public/religious holidays 2 May 2016 – early May Bank Holiday (see note) 30 May 2016 – late May Bank Holiday (within third term holiday)

2 May 2016 – early May Bank Holiday (see note) 30 May 2016 – late May Bank Holiday (within third term holiday)


The first week of September 2015 The first week of September 2015


Between 20 and 26 July 2016 Between 20 and 26 July 2016

Source: Eurydice.

2

UNITED KINGDOM – ENGLAND AND WALES (CONTINUED) Additional notes: Traditionally, the school year is divided into three terms, each of which is divided into two half terms separated by a half term holiday. The dates of school holidays are normally planned to take into account and cover most national public holidays including Easter, although a minority of schools operate a standardised year. The length of the school year, 380 half day sessions, is laid down centrally but the actual dates are not. These are set, depending on the legal category of the school, by the local authority (LA) or school governing body. The decision is taken at school level in voluntary aided schools and foundation schools. Otherwise LAs regulate the school year, and the table shows the most common patterns for term dates and holidays set by LAs. Teachers are required to be available for five additional days when pupils are not present, i.e. for 195 days in total. In England, the recent growth in the number of academies means that approximately 70 per cent of secondary and 30 per cent of primary schools in England are responsible for setting their own term dates. Academies and free schools also have responsibility for determining the length of their school year. Some English local authorities have recommended that schools with a significant number of pupils who will be celebrating non-Christian religious festivals (for example Eid-Ul-Adha, Eid-Ul-Fitr, Guru Nanak's birthday, Diwali) should consider making these optional closure days. In March 2014, the Welsh Assembly passed legislation (the Education (Wales) Act 2014) which will require local authorities and school governing bodies to co-operate and co-ordinate with each other to ensure that the dates for the school term are the same (or as close as possible to being the same) for every maintained school in Wales. It also gives Welsh Ministers the power to direct local authorities and the governing bodies of voluntary aided and foundation schools on the term dates they set. This is to achieve harmonisation of school term dates if local authorities and the governing bodies of voluntary aided and foundation schools have been unable to agree on term dates, or if the term dates which have been agreed need to be altered. As school term dates are set at least two years in advance, the first harmonised term dates will be for the year 2016/2017.

3

UNITED KINGDOM – NORTHERN IRELAND






Autumn holidays 2 days 29-30 October 2015

2 days 29-30 October 2015



Winter/Carnival 2 days 15-16 February 2016

2 days 15-16 February 2016

Spring/Easter 1.5 weeks 24 March – 1 April 2016

1.5 weeks 24 March – 1 April 2016

Third term – –

Summer 9 weeks Between 1 July and 31 August 2016

9 weeks Between 1 July and 31 August 2016

Public/religious holidays 17 March 2016 – St Patrick’s Day (not all schools) 2 May 2016 – early May Bank Holiday 30 May 2016 – late May Bank Holiday

17 March 2016 – St Patrick’s Day (not all schools) 2 May 2016 – early May Bank Holiday 30 May 2016 – late May Bank Holiday




Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes:

Schools are required to be in operation for 200 days. The number of days that pupils are taught in the classroom may vary from 185 to 190 days when optional closing days, teacher training days and School Development Days (SDDs) are taken into account. Decisions on when to take these days are set, depending on the legal category of the school, by the Education Authority or boards of governors. The five optional closing days may be taken as an extension to the Easter, Christmas or summer holidays or to cover closure in exceptional circumstances, for example, the death of someone connected with the school or a planned event such as a move to new premises/building work or a religious holiday. Teachers are required to be available for work on 195 days, of which no more than 190 days should involve teaching children in the classroom. The remaining five non-contact days are used for training purposes. Schools may also avail themselves of up to five School Development Days (SDDs) for the purpose of school improvement and school/staff development. For further information see Circular 2013/09.

http://www.deni.gov.uk/circular_2013_09_english.pdf

UNITED KINGDOM – SCOTLAND




Mid-August 2015 Mid-August 2015


End June/early July 2016 End June/early July 2016

Autumn holidays All schools will take from 1 to 2 weeks between 5 and 23 October 2015 and some will also take from 1 to 2 days in September 2015

All schools will take from 1 to 2 weeks between 5 and 23 October 2015 and some will also take from 1 to 2 days in September 2015

Christmas/New Year Around 2 weeks between 21 December 2015 to 6 January 2016

Around 2 weeks between 21 December 2015 to 6 January 2016

Winter/Carnival From 1 day to 1 week between 8 and 19 February 2016

From 1 day to 1 week between 8 and 19 February 2016

Spring/Easter About 2 weeks between 28 March and 15 April 2016

About 2 weeks between 28 March and 15 April 2016

Summer mid-term holidays Generally schools will take at least 1 day on 2 May 2016 but some schools will also take up to 3 days between 4 and 30 May 2016

Generally schools will take at least 1 day on 2 May 2016 but some schools will also take up to 3 days between 4 and 30 May 2016

Summer End June/early July 2016 End June/early July 2016

Public/religious holidays Up to 3 days Up to 3 days


Mid-August 2015 Mid-August 2015

End of teachers’ school year End June/early July 2016 End June/early July 2016

Source: Eurydice.

Additional notes: In Scotland, pupils attend school for 190 days a year. The teachers’ school year is longer by 5 in-service days (195 days). As school holidays (and in-service days) are not fixed nationally, but by each of the 32 local education authorities, term dates vary from one authority to another. There are no differences between primary and secondary schools.

The Eurydice Network’s task is to understand and explain how Europe’s diff erent education systems are organised and how they work. The network provides descriptions of national education systems, comparative studies devoted to specifi c topics, indicators and statistics. All Eurydice publications are available free of charge on the Eurydice website or in print upon request. Through its work, Eurydice aims to promote understanding, cooperation, trust and mobility at European and international levels. The network consists of national units located in European countries and is co-ordinated by the EU Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency. For more information about Eurydice, see http://ec.europa.eu/eurydice.

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